Cassidy McClement

Cassidy McClement is fast. As one of the fastest runners at Waterford-Halfmoon high school for the last six years, McClement has made a name for herself with her speed. Beginning in seventh grade, McClement found herself competitive against varsity runners at a high level.

“She immediately made a huge impact on our program,” Waterford-Halfmoon track coach Allie Hornung said “She placed in the top six at both league and sectionals that year against very tough upperclassmen competition.”

McClement was set up for an even better eighth grade season, but the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When she returned for her first season as a high schooler, she was second at League Championships in the 100 meters and became Sectional Champion in the 100 and 200. She also anchored the Fordians 4×100 team that took third place. The next year, McClement again anchored the team that improved to a second place finish. In her junior year, she would lead the team to their first league championship in the 4×100 with a school record time of 54.2.

But coach Hornung says McClement’s character is the most impressive thing about her. “Most importantly, Cassidy is a good person, through and through,” Hornung said. “She is one of the kindest athletes I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. I have never ever heard her boast about her talent, choosing instead to let her hard work and success do the talking.”

Even though track is often thought of as an individual sport, McClement says being on the relay team is her favorite part of track. “I love the long jump, but I also love my 4×100 meter team,” McClement said. “Winning leagues in the 4×100, our first hardware, was the highlight of my career. I just remember how hard we worked and how bad the four of us wanted to win.”

Her speed translated well to the soccer pitch as well. A lifelong soccer player, McClement made the varsity team as an eighth grader and spent time at different positions around the field. Her speed and versatility helped her lead the Fordains to Back-to-Back Class C Girls Soccer State Championships.

Even with all her speed, being a part of the Waterford-Halfmoon teams was even more meaningful to McClement because of the time she spent slowing down with the community she had on and off track or field. McClement said that most of her classmates had grown up going to the same elementary and middle schools, creating a long-lasting bond that made these championships that much sweeter.

“Our class grew up together, we’re all really close,” she said. “Our teachers have said we had the best proms because we get along together, everyone was included.”

Coach Hornung said McClement always made time for those around her. She is supportive of her teammates, always encouraging them to do their best and picking them up when they are struggling,” Hornung said. “She is also very involved in her community, somehow finding time to volunteer at Town of Waterford food drives and the annual Dragon Boat festival to benefit To Life! Breast Cancer Support, Resources, & Education.”

In addition to all these accolades, McClement was the valedictorian of Waterford-Halfmoon, the President of her school’s National Honor Society, and the class Treasurer. So how did she manage to make time for school, sports, clubs, and other things? “I had to prioritize what was important,” McClement said. “And set a lot of reminders on my phone.”

“I am honored to have had the opportunity to witness her success, Hornung said. “I cannot wait to see where her hard work takes her after high school.”

“It’s an honor to receive such a special recognition,” McClement said. “I’m proud of all the hard work I’ve put in over the years and I’m especially grateful for all the support I’ve had from my family, coaches, teachers and teammates over the years.”